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SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS

SYMPTOMS

In addition to HIV, there are other infections that can be transmitted through unprotected sexual contact. These can cause discomfort, reduce the enjoyment of sexuality, and indirectly facilitate the transmission of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
If you acquire one of these infections, you might notice it because, for example, there is unusual discharge that is yellow, green, or grayish in color coming from your genitals. Other signs include feeling burning, itching, or pain in your genitals or anus, or discovering lesions (such as blisters or ulcers) in those areas.
If you notice any of these symptoms, it is best to consult a healthcare professional so you can receive the proper treatment for the infection. This will also help prevent long-term problems such as sterility, damage to internal organs, or certain types of cancer.

TYPES OF INFECTIONS

Syphilis

Syphilis is an infection caused by a bacterium. It is transmitted through unprotected:

  • anal
  • vaginal
  • oral sexual contact and can also be passed from mother to child during pregnancy.

The first sign is a painless ulcer that may go unnoticed on the:

  • genitals
  • rectum
  • mouth.

This ulcer disappears on its own, but after a few weeks, the infection can reactivate, causing:

  • skin rashes
  • lesions on the genitals, mouth, palms of the hands, and soles of the feet.

Attention! If you notice any of these changes in your body, visit a doctor, as syphilis is easily treatable with medication.

Herpes

Herpes is an infection caused by a virus that is transmitted through unprotected:

  • anal
  • vaginal
  • oral sexual contact, and also through kissing someone with active lesions.

It causes painful sores in the:

  • mouth
  • genital area
  • anus, which ulcerate and burn. The sores may disappear on their own, but the virus remains in the body and can reactivate over time.

There is no cure, but treatment helps:

  • reduce discomfort
  • shorten the duration of outbreaks
  • lower the risk of reactivation.

Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea is caused by a bacterium that can be transmitted through unprotected:

  • anal
  • vaginal
  • oral sex.

Warning signs include:

  • burning sensation when urinating
  • discharge from the penis or abnormal vaginal discharge
  • pain during sex
  • discharge and pain in the anus and rectum
  • sore throat.

This infection can be cured with proper treatment, but if left untreated, it may:

  • spread and infect the testes or uterus
  • cause infertility.

Chlamydia

Chlamydia is a very common bacterial infection that is transmitted through unprotected:

  • anal
  • vaginal
  • oral sex.

Many cases show no symptoms, but sometimes it can present symptoms similar to gonorrhea, though milder:

  • burning sensation when urinating
  • discharge from the penis or vagina
  • pain during sex
  • discharge and pain in the anus and rectum
  • sore throat.

With the proper treatment, chlamydia is completely curable. If left untreated, it may:

  • spread to the testes and uterus
  • cause infertility.

Hepatitis A, B, And C

Hepatitis viruses affect the liver and can be transmitted through:

  • unprotected anal, vaginal, and oral sex (hepatitis B)
  • oral-anal contact (hepatitis A)
  • sharing needles for injectable drug use (hepatitis C).

Many cases show no symptoms, but more than half of the people infected experience:

  • general discomfort
  • nausea and vomiting
  • pain in the abdomen under the ribs
  • yellowing of the eyes and skin
  • dark urine and pale stools.

This is known as the acute phase. The acute phase of hepatitis does not require treatment, but it is essential to monitor it to prevent it from becoming chronic, as this can lead to:

  • cirrhosis or liver cancer.

Chronic hepatitis B or C infections can be treated with medication.

HUMAN PAPILLOMAVIRUS (HPV)

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is transmitted through unprotected:

  • anal
  • vaginal
  • oral sex, as well as direct contact with skin lesions (warts).

There are over 100 types of HPV, which are divided into two main categories:

  • High-risk types: They do not cause symptoms, but over time they can lead to:
    • cervical cancer
    • cancers of the vagina, penis, anus, and throat.
  • Low-risk types: These are usually responsible for warts (condylomas) that appear on:
    • the penis
    • vulva
    • vagina or anus
    • the mouth.

While there is no specific cure for HPV, the lesions it causes can be treated and removed effectively. Currently, there is a vaccine that protects against the most common types of HPV.